School
University
Stadium
Kinnick Stadium
Capacity
69,250
Conference
Big Ten
Official University Iowa Hawkeyes home & away games
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Iowa City gets classic Iowa fall weather — warm and sunny in September, beautifully crisp in October, and cold by November. October is the perfect month for a Kinnick Stadium gameday, with ideal temps and stunning fall foliage.
76°
High
53°
Low
61°
High
41°
Low
46°
High
29°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Kinnick Stadium.
Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Iowa City on game day
The heart of Hawkeye gameday with the iconic Pedestrian Mall lined with bars and restaurants
University of Iowa campus area with student-favorite bars and tailgate spots
Adjacent city with additional bar and restaurant options for overflow crowds
The best spots near Kinnick Stadium for Iowa Hawkeyes fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Kinnick Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
1.2 miles
Estimated Time
4 hours
Bar Stops
6 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
Start Here
Pedestrian Mall - Clinton St & Washington St
22 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240
115 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
12 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
125 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
215 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240
10 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA 52240
End Point
Summit
The Airliner
Stop 1 of 6
This place has been serving Hawkeyes since 1944. The rooftop patio is perfect for pre-game drinks. Go Hawks!
Wear your Iowa Hawkeyes gear and meet fellow fans at every stop along the route!
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make University Iowa Hawkeyes game day unlike anywhere else
End of the first quarter — every home game
At the end of the first quarter of every home game, every single person in Kinnick Stadium — all 69,000 fans, both teams, coaches, and officials — turns to face the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, which overlooks the stadium, and waves to the sick children watching from their windows. It's the most emotional and universally beloved tradition in all of college football, and it has moved grown men to tears since it began in 2017.
Every home game — especially on third downs and big plays
Kinnick Stadium is consistently ranked among the loudest and most intimidating venues in college football. The stadium's bowl design traps sound and amplifies crowd noise to levels that visiting teams describe as disorienting. On big games — especially against Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin — the noise level is measured at over 100 decibels, and the black-and-gold sea of 69,000 fans creates a visual spectacle that is uniquely Iowa.
4–5 hours before kickoff on the Pedestrian Mall
Iowa City's Pedestrian Mall — a car-free zone in the heart of downtown — transforms into the greatest outdoor party in the Big Ten on gameday. Bars open at 7 AM for noon games, and the entire mall fills with black-and-gold Hawkeyes fans. The Airliner's legendary wings, Joe's Place's cheap drinks, and the walk from downtown to Kinnick through the beautiful University of Iowa campus make this one of the best gameday experiences in college football.
3–4 hours before kickoff at The Airliner
The Airliner's legendary chicken wings are the unofficial food of Iowa Hawkeyes gameday. The bar — a fixture on the Iowa City bar scene for decades — sells thousands of wings on game days, and fans line up before the doors open to secure their order. The wings sell out every single home game, and the tradition of eating Airliner wings before kickoff has been passed down through generations of Iowa students and alumni.
Annual rivalry game vs. Minnesota — typically in October
The annual Iowa–Minnesota game is played for Floyd of Rosedale — a bronze pig trophy that has been contested since 1935. The trophy is named after a real pig that was wagered between the governors of Iowa and Minnesota in 1935. Floyd is one of the most beloved and unique rivalry trophies in college football, and the game always draws massive crowds to Kinnick Stadium.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Iowa Hawkeyes ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Kinnick Stadium
Bar & Grill · $
Iowa City's most legendary gameday food institution since 1944. The Airliner's chicken wings are the unofficial food of Hawkeyes gameday — crispy, saucy, and served in massive portions. They sell out every single home game, so order early. The rooftop patio is the best pre-game spot in Iowa City.
Burger Joint · $
Iowa City's most celebrated burger spot and a gameday cult favorite. The Hawkeye Burger — a double smash patty topped with Iowa-made cheddar, house sauce, and crispy onions — is the best burger in the Corridor. Fast service, cheap prices, and a crowd that bleeds black and gold.
Middle Eastern · $
A beloved Iowa City institution and a gameday favorite for fans who want something different. The falafel wrap — stuffed with crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and house-made tahini — is the best value meal near campus. Vegetarian-friendly and incredibly filling. A cult favorite among Iowa students.
American Diner · $$
Iowa City's most stylish diner and a gameday morning ritual for Hawkeyes fans. The Black & Gold breakfast plate — named after Iowa's colors — features farm-fresh eggs, thick-cut bacon, and crispy hash browns. The craft cocktail brunch menu is perfect for fans who want to start gameday right.
Craft Brewery & Kitchen · $$
Iowa City's award-winning craft brewery releases special Hawkeyes-themed beers for every home game weekend. The smoked brisket flatbread — topped with house-smoked brisket, pickled jalapeños, and smoked gouda — is the best food-and-beer pairing in Iowa City. The outdoor patio fills with black-and-gold fans before kickoff.
American Steakhouse · $$$
Housed in a historic 1880s power plant on the Iowa River, this iconic restaurant is the premier gameday dinner destination for Hawkeyes fans. The Iowa corn-fed ribeye — sourced from local farms — is the best steak in the Corridor. Book a table well in advance for rivalry game weekends.
Turn your love of Iowa Hawkeyes football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Kinnick Stadium
Largest tailgate area with plenty of space for grills and tents. First-come, first-served parking with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Popular alumni tailgate lot close to the stadium. Fills early for big games — shuttle service available from this lot.
Covered parking option in a downtown location. Walk to the stadium or grab a rideshare. Reserve in advance for home games.
Rideshare Drop-off
Melrose Ave & Stadium Dr
Shuttle Service
CAMBUS provides free shuttle service from downtown to stadium starting 3 hours before kickoff
Top hotels near Kinnick Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Iowa City game day bar crawls
Book your University Iowa Hawkeyes game day bar crawl and experience Iowa City nightlife like never before!
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